Amidst an escalating controversy, the forfeiture of a volleyball match by Boise State has thrust San Jose State University into the finals, reigniting a nationwide debate over biological males participating in women’s collegiate sports.
At a Glance
- San Jose State advances due to Boise State’s forfeit over a transgender player.
- Multiple teams have refused to compete, protesting gender identity and safety concerns.
- A federal court has upheld the participation of transgender athletes in collegiate sports.
- The NCAA’s policy faces ongoing legal challenges and criticisms.
Controversy and Legal Challenges
San Jose State University’s volleyball team reached the Mountain West Championship as Boise State forfeited its semi-final match. The decision follows Boise State’s determination not to play against a transgender athlete on San Jose State’s team. This disagreement reflects wider national discussions over the attempted forced inclusion of biological men in women’s sports.
NCAA rules allow such participation under certain criteria, aligning with federal court decisions upholding these standards, despite ongoing legal challenges. Supporters of traditional athletics see this as a setback.
Boise State’s forfeit aligns with a broader pattern as five teams in the Mountain West Conference have similarly refused to compete against San Jose State under these conditions.
Their reluctance surfaces amidst growing legal tension, as a group of Mountain West players filed a lawsuit against the inclusion of transgender athletes. The federal court ruled against blocking their competition, declaring plaintiffs did not prove irreparable harm or close probability of success. Critics, such as former NCAA swimmer Marshi Smith, blame organizational failure.
News: Boise State has forfeited its match against San Jose State in the Mountain West women’s volleyball tournament over the participation of a purported transgender player on the Spartans team.
(The players participation was the subject of a lawsuit.)
Statement from MW: pic.twitter.com/hwgvEwueuh
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) November 28, 2024
Response from San Jose State University
San Jose State, though advancing, expressed disappointment over the forfeits. They see the matches as vital opportunities for athletic competition and inclusivity within collegiate sports. Officials stated, “While we are disappointed in Boise State’s decision, our women’s volleyball team is preparing for Saturday’s match and looks forward to competing for a championship.”
Officials at San Jose State University revealed how they are “disappointed” that another team has forfeited a game to avoid playing against SJSU’s transgender volleyball player.
“Inclusion” remains a cornerstone of San Jose State’s stance, advocating for participation aligned with gender identity – even if it means that women lose out.
Boise State opts to withdraw from #MountainWest volleyball championship rather than play San Jose State, transgender player Blaire Fleming – https://t.co/5v7FY5LdcO – @washtimes @twthigherground #LGBTQ #IDleg #NCAA #savewomenssports
— Valerie Richardson (@ValRichardson17) November 29, 2024
The school’s officials view the ongoing competitive engagements as a testament to team resilience amidst episodes of anti-transgender sentiment. Others see it as complete nonsense.
